Gathered Off-Shoulder Blouse with Shirred Hem

Gathered Off-Shoulder Blouse with Shirred Hem

A loose, hip-length women's blouse with short raglan sleeves, cut in just three pieces: front, back and sleeve. The wide neckline and the sleeve edges are gathered by two rows of elastic-thread shirring inside a 4 cm turn-back, and six rows of shirring form a band at the hem.

When To Wear

• Summer wear with trousers, shorts or a skirt.
• On holiday: the elasticated neckline can sit on the shoulders or be pulled down off them.

Key Design Features

Silhouette: Loose, bloused body held in by a shirred band at the hem.

Length: Hip length.

Neckline: Wide, gathered neckline: the upper edge is turned 4 cm to the wrong side and shirred with two rows of elastic thread, 2 cm and 3.5 cm from the fold, leaving a small frill at the edge.

Sleeves: Short raglan puff sleeves sewn into the front and back armholes, with the sleeve seam and side seam stitched in one; the lower edge is finished like the neckline, with two rows of shirring and a small frill.

Front: One piece, with no closure; the blouse pulls on over the head.

Back: One piece, with no centre back seam.

Waist: Hem band of six rows of elastic-thread shirring, 1.5 cm apart, starting 1.5 cm above the edge, so a narrow frill shows below it.

Finishing: Lower edge finished with a rolled hem; raglan seams pressed towards the sleeves, side seams towards the back.

Level Of Difficulty

Beginner. Raglan seams, one continuous side and sleeve seam, and machine shirring with elastic thread; the rolled hem is easiest with an overlocker.

Fabric Recommendations

Silk fabrics.

Additional Supplies

• Elastic thread for shirring